Koch taps into Christmas Doctor Who fever

The annual hype for Doctor Who is sure to boost the Wii/DS tie-in games this Christmas, says Koch.

Doctor Who toys and merchandise are regularly big sellers each Christmas, and the show’s annual special episode (previewed tonight on BBC 1’s Children in Need) is one of the most-watched TV broadcasts of the year.

Koch has lined up a campaign to promote the game to make sure Doctor Who: Evacuation Earth on DS, and Return to Earth on Wii, both out now, are not forgotten.

TV ads will run on channels such as Nickelodeon, CITV, GMTV2 Kids, Boomerang, Cartoon Network, Kix, Disney XD, Five, Day Break, ITV2, E4, Living and Watch.

Print ads will appear in national newspapers and lifestyle magazines, as well as children’s and sci-fi magazines, with a Doctor Who Magazine front cover splash featuring the games.

There will be online promotions on YouTube, Nickelodeon, Disney XD, Cartoon Network, CITV, Bin Weevils and Gamerzines. Competitions will target players of free PC downloadable title Doctor Who Adventures, offering a trip to developer-publisher Asylum Entertainment.

Koch Media’s head of marketing Amy Namihas told MCV: We’re thrilled to be involved in launching the Doctor Who games and extending the brand to new formats – the Nintendo platforms will be perfect for these games.”

Koch is also releasing official tie-in Sonic Screwdriver peripherals for Wii and DS.

Namihas added: Doctor Who is a hugely popular family brand which has appeal for fans of all ages.

With the buzz around the Doctor Who Christmas Special and fantastic new products launching this season, I think Doctor Who will top Christmas lists across the country.”